Hospital Adjustable Bed

A hospital adjustable bed can be beneficial for seniors as it allows them to raise/lower the head and foot of the bed. Some models also raise/lower the whole bed which makes it easier to get in and out.

The following information will be discussed:

• Description
• Benefits
• Cost
• Related Accessories

Description

Hospital adjustable beds allow users to:

• raise/lower head
• raise/lower foot
• raise/lower bed height
• option of adding side or full bed rails
• designed to accept a variety of mattress styles including pressure redistribution mattresses (ex. reduce risk for skin breakdown)
• most models have both electric and manual options
• most models have wheels making it easy to move the bed
• most models can be taken apart to make it easy to transport and set-up
• most models are single/twin size although there are also bariatric models

Fully electric beds allow the user to raise/lower head, foot and bed height.

Semi electric only allow the user to raise/lower the head/feet. Bed height can usually be adjusted manually.

Benefits

They are excellent for seniors who have the following issues:

• Mobility issues such as difficulty with transfers (sit to stand), bed mobility (rolling over, sitting up)
• Have difficulty sleeping while lying flat. Some seniors with COPD can only sleep comfortably with their head elevated.
• Those spending lots of time in bed as it allows them to change positions (head raised, feet raised, etc). This is more comfortable as it shifts pressure to different parts of the body.
• Skin issues such as bed/pressure sores. They are designed for a variety of pressure redistribution mattresses which reduce the risk of skin breakdown (ie. pressure/bed sores).
• Caregivers are in a better position to assist the client as they can raise the bed up to a better height (ie. not having to bend over to provide care such as assistance with rolling onto their side).
• Can install bed rails which help keep clients in their bed as well as roll over and stand up.

Cost

They cost between $600 to $5000+. $600 for a basic model that is adjusted manually and $5000 for a fully electric bariatric model.

A full electric model should cost approximately $1000.

There are often used models available which are a good option. Just make sure all the features work (ie. raise/lower).

Related Accessories

There are a variety of accessories that can be used in conjunction with an adjustable hospital bed, including:

• over bed table
• trapeze (allows for user to reposition themselves in bed - if they have upper body strength)
• half and full side rails
• sheet/blanket supports (to keep blankets off lower legs and feet)
• different mattresses (pressure redistribution, etc)